Middle School Principal Unexpectedly Announces She Is Leaving

Cameron Middle School Principal Judith Kelley announced to staff and to parents she would be leaving after 10 years.

The decision came as a surprise to many parents.

Thanks to the parents who forwarded the announcement to Framingham Patch.

Kelley did not give a reason for why she is leaving in here email to staff or to parents. (Her email to staff can be read below.)

With Kelley's departure, the Framingham Public School district is now looking for principals for two of its three middle schools.

Fuller Middle School Principal Juan Rodriguez announced in fall 2012 he would be retiring at the end of the school year.

In January, Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott moved him into a central office position and Vice Principal James Bergeron has been acting as principal as a search is underway. Finalists for the Fuller Middle principal position are expected to be announced later this month.

The district will need to fill three principal positions by the fall, as Wilson Elementary School Principal Robin Welch is also retiring. He is the most senior of the town's eight elementary school principals.  The other seven elementary school principals have all been in their jobs for less than 5 years.

Kelley's email to parents:

I wanted to share with you today the letter I sent to the staff this morning. I will be resigning as the Principal of Cameron M.S. at the end of this academic year after ten amazing years as the principal. I have loved working at this school but it is time to move forward. Thank you for your support over the years and allowing us to educate your daughters and sons. The students are very special to me and I strongly believe we have a marvelous staff here who really help students move through their middle school years. I will be here until July but I wanted to let you know as soon as possible.

Kelley's letter to staff:

It is with mixed feelings that I write this letter to tell you that this year will be my final one as principal of Cameron Middle School. I have been here for ten years and after seriously considering everything and talking with my family, I have decided that it is indeed the right time for me to step down from my current position. As difficult as this is for me, I feel confident that I am leaving this school in excellent shape and ready to continue its outstanding reputation for providing an excellent education to all of our students.

Many of you have been with me from my first day here and I have been fortunate to preside over a truly outstanding faculty, second to none in all my years in education. It is because of you that we have been able to accomplish so much and I am very proud to have been your principal all these years. Regrettably, this connection also makes it very difficult for me to write you today and tell you of my decision to leave.

With a new administration starting next year and with such a solid front office, custodial and teaching staff in place, I know you will continue to have great success and reach new heights in the years ahead. Ours is truly a challenging profession but one with great demands and great satisfaction. Feel confident that Cameron will continue to prosper and reflect well on all your hard work and dedication to your craft.

I thank all of you for your expertise and professionalism all these years and I look forward to hearing many good things about Cameron Middle School in the years ahead. Your friendship, dedication and caring have made me proud and humbled to have served as principal all these years. I wish you all the very best as you begin this new chapter in Cameron’s future.